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(photo: Evi Abeler)
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By Jacquelin Carnegie –
(New York, NY)
Baby,
when it’s cold outside, jazz will warm you up. And, when it’s too darn hot,
jazz will cool you down. New York’s
known for its big jazz clubs—the Blue Note, the VillageVanguard, and Birdland. But, you can
hear great jazz in several smaller, more affordable venues and even for free in
some places.
THE BEST CLUBS FOR GREAT AFFORDABLE JAZZ
Small's Jazz Club
183 West 10th St.; Tel:
212/252-5091; www.smallsjazzclub.com

Small’s is indeed a small,
low-key venue that’s especially popular with jazz musicians themselves. After
playing their own gigs, they come here to groove to the sounds of their
compatriots and, occasionally, even to sit in on sets. There’s drinks, but no
food.
Mezzrow (163 West 10th St., www.mezzrow.com) Small's also runs Mezzrow, a nice jazz piano lounge, right down the block. You can get into both clubs for one cover price.
Mezzrow (163 West 10th St., www.mezzrow.com) Small's also runs Mezzrow, a nice jazz piano lounge, right down the block. You can get into both clubs for one cover price.
55 Bar
55 Christopher St., btw 6th
& 7th Ave.; Tel: 212/929-9883; 55bar.com
Open: Nightly Sets, Mon-Thurs, 7pm & 10pm;
Fri-Sat, 6pm & 10pm; Sun, 7pm & 9:30pm Cost: Early Set, no cover; Late
Set, $5-$15 cover & 2 drink minimum
This laid-back Village bar
has good jazz and friendly patrons. No food’s served, but you can BYOF or order
in from takeout menus they’ll provide.
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd St., btw Thompson & Sullivan; Tel: 212/477-9462; zincbar.com
Open:
Nightly, 6pm-3am; Weekend Sets: 7pm, 9pm, 10:30pm & 12am; Weeknight Sets: times vary; Cost: $10-$15 (1
or 2 drink minimum)
This very nice space puts
a spotlight on Brazilian, Caribbean, and Afro-Cuban jazz. There’s a pleasant
bar area, where the cover is less, or sit at tables closer to the action.
Midtown:
The Jazz Gallery
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SFJAZZ Collective (photo: GA-Photos)
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Open:
Thurs-Sat; Sets: 9pm & 10:30pm; Cost: Fri-Sat, $20; Thurs, $10-$15*
This is the place for
serious jazz aficionados. No food or drinks are served, just pure
listening pleasure. The Jazz Gallery
just moved into this new space in the hip & happening Flatiron/NoMad
district, after 17 years downtown. (*Become a member for even cheaper
tickets and special deals.)
Uptown:
Showman’s Jazz Club
Sets: Mon–Thurs: 8:30pm, 10pm, 11:30pm; Fri-Sat: 9:30pm, 11pm &
1am; Cost: No cover, 2 drink minimum per set
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Smalls, jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel
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To find out what’s happening on the jazz scene in New York City on a regular basis, check out: HotHouse Jazz & The New York City Jazz Record. But, jazz clubs are not the
only place to hear great music. Discover several unique venues to enjoy jazz on
a budget in Part II.
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